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Special
Olympics Africa > Reach
“Do
not hide your special children. They are part of us, and denying them
play, exposure and association is violating their basic human
rights.”
Thomas
Gathu, Special Olympics Kenya athlete
Special
Olympics is a grass-roots movement with global reach – stretching
to over 180 countries across seven geographical regions. Under the
experienced Chairmanship
of Dr Timothy Shriver,
Special Olympics, Inc. is today recognized as the lead in the field of
intellectual disability. 3.1 million athletes reached. 3.1 million
lives changed.
Special Olympics Africa
Special
Olympics was initiated in the Africa region in 1979 with the founding
of the Special Olympics Kenya. Today Special Olympics Kenya accounts
for 25% of the regions athletes.
Special Olympics Africa comprises 27 programs in Southern, Eastern,
Central and West Africa and currently accounts for more than 100 000
athletes. Economic, infrastructural and political difficulties in many
countries sometimes hinder growth but they fail to affect the autonomy
and consistently high quality opportunities afforded Special Olympics
athletes in the region.
Under the leadership of Regional Managing Director, Dr John Dow Jr.,
six programs were highlighted in 2005 for the potential of their
leadership to grow and improve the quality of their programs and they
did not disappoint. Today these six programs account for 80% of the
athletes in the region.
Special Olympics Africa
provide support to accredited programs through their regional office as well as staff spread
throughout the region.
Special Olympics
Africa Programs
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